Makaira (Latin via Greek: μαχαίρα "sword") is a genus of marlin in the family Istiophoridae. It includes the Atlantic blue, and Indo-Pacific blue marlins.[3] In the past, the black marlin was also included in this genus, but today it is placed in its own genus, Istiompax.
Makaira | |
---|---|
Atlantic blue marlin, Makaira nigricans | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Istiophoriformes |
Family: | Istiophoridae |
Genus: | Makaira Lacépède, 1802 |
Type species | |
Makaira nigricans Lacepède, 1802
| |
Species | |
Synonyms | |
|
Although they are traditionally listed as separate species, recent research indicates that the Atlantic blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) and Indo-Pacific blue marlin (Makaira mazara) may be parapatric populations of the same species.[3]